Chapter 5 Family Time

SOFIA'S POV

"Are you implying I'm not attractive?" I asked under my breath, my voice barely audible as his touch sent a strange, electric shock through my body. It felt like a jolt of static, but deeper and more intense.

He let out a soft laugh, his lips grazing mine with a feather-light kiss that made me shiver. "You're stunning," he murmured against my skin. "That's exactly why I want you to be mine."

What? I stared at him in disbelief. Is he actually serious? Me? Out of all the rich, picture-perfect girls he could be dating?

My eyes dropped to his mouth, dangerously tempting, and I nearly lost myself in the moment. I had to snap out of it. I blinked and shook my head slightly to clear it.

"I... uh..." I stammered, completely thrown off, caught between confusion and something dangerously close to desire.

"Shhh," he whispered close to my ear, his voice was low and seductive. "No pressure. Take your time. I'll wait." His hand began to trail down my thigh, making my heartbeat thunder in my chest. But then, to my confusion, he smiled at me in a mischievous and knowing way then calmly shut the drawer next to us.

Oh my God. What the hell was I thinking? I screamed inwardly, avoiding his gaze like it would burn me.

He turned away with a faint smirk and resumed cooking just as Jason's footsteps echoed into the room.

"You look amazing, Uncle David," Jason said cheerfully, strolling into the kitchen in his blue shirt and jeans, full of confidence.

"I know," David said smugly, clearly entertained by the compliment. He glanced at Jason affectionately but ignored me entirely, which irritated me more than I cared to admit.

"You're handsome, and my mom's really pretty too," Jason added, flashing a grin in my direction. "Back in LA, men were always saying how beautiful she was."

"Oh really?" David asked, eyes twinkling. "Did she ever pay them any attention?"

"Nope. She couldn't stand them," Jason replied proudly.

David nodded slowly, that unreadable smile still on his lips as he looked at me. My stomach flipped again.

"So you think your mom and I would be a good match, huh?"

"Yep! I think you'd make a great..."

"Jas!" I cut in sharply, halting him before he could say something we'd all regret. He looked up at me, startled, then instinctively clung to David's leg.

It was strange. Jason was outgoing, yes, but he had never been this attached to someone he just met. The bond he had with David felt... unnatural, too easy and too strong.

What's going on? What kind of hold does this man have on my son? I thought, fear threading through my thoughts. I just wanted peace, no drama, no chaos. And with David, I could sense both coming in waves.

"Come on now. Let the boy speak," David said, looking at me calmly. "You're scaring him."

"I'm not scaring him," I muttered, folding my arms. "I'm being a mother. I'm teaching him boundaries."

"You alright, little man?" David asked Jason, ignoring my irritation.

"Yeah. Are we still going out tomorrow?"

"Of course," David replied, ruffling his hair.

Jason giggled and handed him the chopped onions, and I watched them talk and cook together like they'd known each other forever. It was heartwarming... and terrifying.

I turned back to the iPad in my lap and scanned through the proposal again. My eyes widened when I noticed the offer..it was generous, almost too generous.

Why would he want to partner with my company of all places? He could have anyone.

"Dinner's ready!" Jason suddenly announced, breaking my thoughts.

I looked up and saw David plating the food himself. He'd politely declined the maid's help. I joined them at the dining table, and he pulled out a chair for me like a perfect gentleman. Jason just grinned at me like he was up to something.

I took a bite and paused. The taste... It was incredible.

"Where did you learn to cook like this?" I asked in amazement.

They both stared at me like kids waiting for exam results.

"It's amazing. I love it," I finally said, smiling.

"Yes!" They both yelled in celebration and clapping hands together like teammates.

DAVID'S POV

The moment Jason called me, my entire day brightened. Spending time with him and her meant more than I could explain.

There was no doubt in my mind the moment I saw him. That kid was mine. Even if Sofia wouldn't admit it, I knew. The way he looked at me, the energy between us, it wasn't a coincidence.

After dinner, I took him to his room and tucked him in, feeling that quiet warmth in my chest. When I returned to the living room, Sofia was sitting on the couch, her expression was hard, all of a sudden.

"What exactly do you want from us? Why are you here?" she asked, in a cold tone, while folding her arms.

I sighed. "Nothing more than to be part of your lives. That's all."

"Our lives?" she echoed bitterly. I saw the hint of pain in her eyes before she covered it again. It hit me and I felt bad for her.

"Yes. I know he's my son. And I want to be there for him. For both of you."

She looked away. "We're not doing this now," she said sharply. "I'm not ready."

It's fair enough. I wouldn't push. Not now.

She picked up the iPad. "I looked over the proposal. The offer seems... excessive. Why so much?"

"It's not excessive. You're worth it. Your company has potential I want to invest in."

She narrowed her eyes at me, feeling skeptical. "Fine. I'll do my best not to let you down."

Just then, my phone rang. I checked the screen, and immediately tensed. It was my old man.

What the hell does he want now? I muttered under my breath.

"Who's that?" she asked, noticing my change in expression.

"My father," I replied with an irritated sigh. The phone rang again. Reluctantly, I answered.

"What is it now?" I snapped into the phone, my voice was tight. And just like that, whatever peace I felt shattered. His words sent a bolt of rage through me.

My jaw clenched. My hands curled into fists.

I wasn't done with this night but it seemed the night wasn't done with me either.